The socio-economic impact of the Table Mountain National Park

Melville Saayman,Andrea Saayman,Riaan Rossouw

doi:10.4102/jef.v6i2.269

Melville Saayman, Andrea Saayman + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.4102/jef.v6i2.269

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Abstract

This article will determine the socio-economic impact of South Africa’s largest urban national park, and the one that attracts the most visitors. Because national parks have more functions than mere conservation, the following questions arise: “What economic and social impacts are created by such parks?” and “How do communities benefit from allocating land for conservation?” Little research on this topic has been conducted in Southern Africa, and this research therefore contributes to our knowledge. Two surveys were conducted. One focused on the communities surrounding the park and the other on visitors to the park. A Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) determined the economic value. Results showed that, although the park attracts the most visitors, it does not generate the greatest income when compared to other national parks. Results concerning the community survey revealed that the surrounding communities have very positive perceptions, although they believe the impacts to be more economic than social. Problem areas were also identified.

Highlights

The role and contribution of local communities in managing national parks have changed significantly over the past few years
SANParks has three primary objectives: i) to conserve the biodiversity of the country; ii) to maintain a relationship of community upliftment and capacity building among people living in the areas neighbouring the parks; and iii) to provide a tourism and recreational outlet that allows people to enjoy the wonders of the parks (Streuders, 2008)
Respondents were first asked to indicate to what extent the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) affected their personal quality of life. 67% felt that the park had a positive impact on their lives, while 31% felt that it had no effect and only 2% found it to be negative

Summary

Introduction

The role and contribution of local communities in managing national parks have changed significantly over the past few years. This has been brought about by a paradigm shift at the national conservation agency, South African National Parks (hereafter referred to as SANParks) from traditionally being a pure conservation agency to becoming a conservation agency striving to benefit and empower local communities (Venter, Naiman, Biggs & Pienaar, 2008). In the case of an urban park, the relationship between conservation and the local community may be even more tense and should be managed in a more effective way (Oberholzer, Saayman, Saayman & Slabbert, 2009). In the case of an urban park, the relationship between conservation and the local community may be even more tense and should be managed in a more effective way (Oberholzer, Saayman, Saayman & Slabbert, 2009). Phillips (1998) stresses the importance and usefulness of socio-economic impact studies in providing information to governments and organisations, in this case SANParks, on projects that seek funding, subsidies, tax incentives, land use, or other forms of policy assistance

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